Women’s Equestrian Shirts for Western and English Riding

Last updated: November 1, 2022

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Every horseback rider knows the importance of a good, comfortable shirt. Horseback riding can be a strenuous activity, and you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable.

Women’s equestrian shirts are an essential piece of gear for both Western and English riders. There are many different styles and brands of equestrian shirts on the market today, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

Equestrian clothing for women can be as stylish as one wants. Some ladies wear equestrian shirts just for their form-flattering effects. However, style isn’t the only consideration to make when selecting women’s equestrian shirts. The right equestrian shirts for Western or English riding can help a rider have a safer and more comfortable riding experience.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the different kinds of equestrian shirts available for women. I will also give you important pointers that will help you pick the right riding shirt. 

Quick Links:

• Best Western Riding Shirts for Women
• Best English Riding Shirts for Women

English vs. Western clothing

When it comes to equestrian clothing, there are two main traditions: Western and English. Each style has its own history and dress code, and each is used for different riding disciplines.

For example, western riding is often associated with rodeos and horseback trail riding, while English riding is more commonly seen in show jumping and dressage competitions. While there are some similarities between the two styles, there are also several key differences.

One of the most noticeable differences is in the rider’s attire. Western riders generally wear jeans, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat, while English riders typically wear breeches (or jodhpurs), a tight-fitting shirt, tall boots, and a helmet.

Western riding shirts

Western riding shirts typically have a yoke across the chest, as well as Western-style pockets and snaps, and are often made from denim or another sturdy fabric.

Many Western riders prefer shirts with long sleeves to provide additional protection from the sun and debris, but short-sleeved shirts are also popular in warmer climates. In addition to providing function, Western shirts also add a touch of style to the rider’s outfit.

Whether you’re competing in a rodeo or simply enjoying a leisurely trail ride, a Western shirt is an essential piece of equestrian clothing.

What to look for in a western riding shirt.

When it comes to equestrian clothing, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, safety is always the number one priority. That being said, you also want to be sure that you’re comfortable while riding. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the saddle. With that in mind, here are a few things to look for in a western riding shirt:

• A comfortable fit is key. You don’t want a shirt that’s too tight or too loose. Look for something that gives you a full range of motion without constricting.
• Durability is also important. You want a shirt that can stand up to long hours in the saddle and harsh weather conditions. Look for shirts made from high-quality materials like 100% cotton or denim.
• Style is also important, especially if you’re competing in equestrian events. You want a shirt that looks professional and reflects your personal style. There are a wide variety of western shirts available, so take your time and find one that’s perfect for you.

Best Women’s Western Riding Shirts.

When it comes to equestrian clothing, there is a wide range of options available for both men and women. However, finding the right shirt for riding can be a bit more challenging for women, as many equestrian stores tend to cater to men.

Fortunately, there are a few companies that specialize in women’s equestrian clothing, and they offer a great selection of shirts that are both stylish and functional. Here are three of the best women’s western-style riding shirts on the market today.

Top Choice: Women’s Western Rodeo Shirts from Ranch Dress’n

Rodeo shirts feature long sleeves and the classic western yoke style. They have snap buttons up the front. You can tuck them inside your jeans.

The ladies in my family love these western rodeo shirts from Ranch Dress’ n. They are lightweight, comfortable, and wrinkle-free and you get to choose from hundreds of prints and colors. These bring and colorful shirts are sure to fetch you a lot of compliments.

Ranch Dress’N shirts are unisex sized so you get 8 different size choices from Small to 3 XL. These wrinkle-free shirts can be tossed in the washing machine and you won’t have to worry about them fading or shrinking.

Pros

• Light and comfy
• Available in several colors and sizes
• Wrinkle-free
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Expensive

With hundreds of eye-catching colors and prints and lightweight and comfortable material, Ranch Dress’ N shirts are some of the women’s equestrian shirts for western riding. You can use them for layering up in the cooler months or wear them as is in summer. Either way, they look great and will make you feel great in the saddle.

Wrangler Women’s Retro Long Sleeve Western Snap Shirt

Wrangler western snap shirt is made from 100% cotton and features a retro western style design. However, it has two pockets, front and back yokes, and snap closures down the front.

Pashartuk Western Shirts for Women with Snap Buttons

The Pashartuk Western shirt is made from 100% cotton and features a classic western style design. It has two front pockets, a pointed collar, and pearl snaps down the front. They come in various colors including plaid and plain.

These shirts are suitable to wear for many occasions and all seasons.

Polos have short sleeves, a collar, and a button placket with 3 or 4 buttons. They offer a smart and classy look and also keep you cool and comfortable.

Western Cowgirl T-shirts – Ranch Dress’n

T-shirts are the attire of choice for casual riding. They are sweat-absorbing and perfect for summer. In winter, they can go under sweatshirts or riding jackets.

My wife and daughter often used to complain that the T-shirts for horse riding for women were rather limited. Moreover, their prints were not unique so you’d often bump into other ladies wearing the same or similar tees. 

That is until we discovered Ranch Dress’n. This brand has so much variety in their equestrian tees with unique prints that you will never have to wonder what to wear ever, whether for doing those barn chores or for trail riding.

During hot summer days, these beautiful t-shirts will keep you nice and cool. In autumns and winters, you can use them as a base layer to keep warm.

Ranch Dress’ N tees are made with soft spun cotton and their prints consist of crack/peel and fade resistant eco-friendly ink.

Pros

• Premium spun soft cotton
• Designed for comfort and style 
• Classic fit
• Affordable

Cons

• Need to be hand-washed

Ranch Dress’n equestrian western riding t-shirts are reasonably priced, quick-drying, and perfect for summer months. They provide complete flexibility to riders and are great for casual riding. They have hundreds of colors, prints, and size choices too.

English riding shirts

English riding shirts for women are a type of equestrian clothing specifically designed for women riders. These shirts are typically tailored to fit a woman’s form, and they often include features like a higher collar and a slimming silhouette.

English riding shirts are usually made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which help to keep the rider cool and comfortable while in the saddle. Additionally, many English riding shirts feature intricate detailing and stylish buttons, making them a fashionable choice for equestrian wear.

Whether you’re looking for a shirt to wear during a competition or simply want to add a touch of style to your riding wardrobe, an English riding shirt is an excellent choice.

Best English Riding Shirts

If you’re an equestrian, then you know that finding the right clothing is essential. Not only does it need to be comfortable, but it also needs to allow you to move freely and safely while riding.

With so many brands and styles, it can be difficult to find the perfect shirt. However, we’ve compiled a list of the best English riding shirts for women, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Top Choice: Horze Women’s Trista Short-Sleeved Technical Sun Shirt

If you’re looking for a riding shirt that’s both stylish and comfortable, the Horze Trista sun shirt is a great option. The quick-drying fabric is ideal for hot days, and the UPF 30+ protection ensures that you’ll stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

This shirt features a 1/4 zip front that can be worn up or down to reveal the inner lining of contrasting colors. It’s perfect for any occasion and goes well with breeches.

Plus, the equestrian-inspired style looks great both in and out of the saddle. Whether you’re hitting the trails or just running errands, the Horze sun shirt is a great choice.

Polo Shirt – CLOVERY Women’s Active Wear Short-Sleeve Zipup Polo

This polo equestrian shirt from Clovery is perfect for schooling. It fits well, looks attractive, and also keeps you cool. Many shirts end up making you feel hot and sweaty when you ride, especially on warm days. Not this one! This is because of its Cool Technology of Fabric – COOLON which absorbs sweat quickly and dissipates moisture fast. The material is also breathable.

Pros

• Available in 33 color options and sizes from S to 3 XL
• Fit true to size
• Lightweight
• Made-well, durable
• Affordable

Cons

• Short in length
• Scratchy material

Most women equestrians loved the polo equestrian shirt from Clovery and it has thousands of positive reviews on top retailer sites. If you like form-fitting polo shorts, this one is a great choice. My wife and daughter also recommend these shirts for riding.

Short-Sleeve Show Shirt – TuffRider Women’s Kirby Kwik Dry Short Sleeve Show Shirt

Whether you participate in competitions or shows or simply ride for pleasure, the right riding shirt is very important. In shows, the judges rank you based on your attire. For casual riding, you can simply wear a  T-shirt and no one will say anything. But in events and competitions, the kind of riding shirt you wear requires very specific features.

When hot weather rolls around, most women want to wear short-sleeved quick-dry shirts. For showing, you also need traditional show shirts that are also formal for the show ring.

TuffRider also offers their Kirby Kwik Dry shirts in long sleeves which are also cool, comfortable, and classy. They can be worn under the showing jacket and their breathable material will keep you nice and cool.

The best part about this shirt is its affordable price.

Pros

• Comfortable and cool
• Stretchy
• Breathable
• Fits true to size
• Affordable.

Cons

• Transparent and see-through.

The TuffRider Women’s Kirby Kwik Dry Short Sleeve Show Shirt has received some great reviews on many retailer sites. Its price is great and it gives you that professional and classy look that is needed for English show events. If you like polyester form-fitting shirts with lightweight and breathable fabric, this is the women’s equestrian shirt to go for.

Long-Sleeve Show Shirt: Equine Couture Ladies Cara Long Sleeve Show Shirt

Long-sleeved show shirts are figure-flattering and ideal for cooler weather. Some long-sleeved shirts with cool fabrics can even be worn in summer and they protect your arms from sunburn.

 Equine Couture Ladies Cara Long Sleeve Show Shirt is beautiful and classy and ideal for showing in any discipline in the summer or winter months. It features a hidden snap upfront but can be worn in a pullover style. Its material is a smooth micro-polyester that dries quickly and also dissipates moisture uniformly. The shirt also offers superior UV protection.

The best feature about the Equine Couture Ladies Cara Long Sleeve Show Shirt is its ability to keep you cool. This is thanks to its EquiCool technology as well as a layer of mesh both of which enhance ventilation. Equine Couture show shirt also has a stretchy side panel that improves its fit as well as its breathability. You can choose from three great color choices as well.

Pros

• Lightweight, ideal for summer showing in any discipline
• Cool and comfortable
• Moisture-wicking 
• UV protective
• Very attractive with many esthetic details
• 3 color choices – pink, baby blue, and white
• 7 sizes

Cons

• Expensive

Equine Couture Ladies Cara Long Sleeve Show Shirt is slightly on the expensive side but if you want a high-quality, long-lasting, cool, and extremely comfortable show shirt you can wear year-round, then it is definitely a worthwhile buy.

How to Choose the Right Type of Equestrian Shirt for You?

When it comes to equestrian clothing, the riding shirt is an essential piece. Not only is it stylish and flattering, but it also provides a level of comfort and function that is ideal for both competition and casual riding.

The right riding shirt should be made of lightweight, breathable fabric that helps to keep you cool and comfortable in the saddle. It should also provide a bit of stretch so that you can move freely while riding.

Furthermore, the shirt should have a tailored fit that helps you to look your best in the ring. With so many different riding shirts on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. However, taking the time to find the perfect shirt will help you to look and feel your best while riding.

My daughter prefers cool and comfy t-shirts on summer days while my wife prefers form-fitting polos or long-sleeved show shirts because they do not flap around too much. In short, the type of equestrian shirt you choose greatly depends on your personal preferences.

Here are some factors to take into account when selecting women’s equestrian shirts:

Discipline

Your riding discipline will dictate your choice of riding attire. If you only ride casually, then you have several options before you – rodeo shirts, tees, polos – they’d all be a great option. If you ride in events and shows, then it is important to select riding shirts that are acceptable in those events.

Material

For summer riding, look for riding shirts made of breathable materials. Cotton is a great choice, but many synthetic materials made of techno fabrics also offer advanced cooling benefits. Some have superior moisture-wicking and heat-dissipating properties. Others come with breathable meshes that allow better ventilation. 

Safety and comfort

Always take your safety and comfort into account when shopping for women’s equestrian clothes. Avoid baggy and loose shirts that could flap loudly and startle your horse. The shirt should fit properly – not too snug or too loose. 

Avoid shirts that are only stylish but ride up making you feel uncomfortable in the saddle. Sleeveless tank tops may be a great option for summers but they will do little in the way of protecting your arms from scratches and bruises.

If you ride on foggy winter mornings on the trail, look for bright riding shirts with reflective colors.

The Benefits of Wearing a Good Quality Shirt When Riding Horses

The following are the benefits of wearing a good quality shirt when horse-riding:

• Comfort – When you select a good shirt with the proper fit, you will be more comfortable in the saddle. Breathable shirts will keep you sweat-free and dry in the summers. In winter, these shirts will keep you nice and warm without overheating. They can also be used for layering under vests, sweatshirts, or jackets to protect the arms from cold.
• Style – Equestrian shirts from top brands are stylish. They fit well, enhance your figure, and also flatter and compliment it.
• Safety – if you ride on trails under low visibility conditions, bright shirts or shirts with reflective tapes and prints can improve visibility. Good shirts will not flap and spook your horse – nor will they get caught on cantles or low branches, causing the rider to fall. Riding shirts with long sleeves help protect your arms from scratches and bruises.

Best Brands of Women’s Equestrian Shirts for Western and English Riding

Here are some of the top brands well-known for their women’s equestrian shirts for western and English riding.

Horze

Horze makes a lot of high-quality equine products but when it comes to equestrian shirts I believe they produce some of the best on the market and at affordable prices.

Ariat

Ariat began as a boot-making company but soon diversified into clothing. Their shirts are made for those long hours in the saddle or the barn. They have flattering colors and styles and even non-equestrians love them. Ariat makes equestrian shirts for English and western riding.

TuffRider 

TuffRider is a trusted name in equestrian products. They are well-known for their riding breeches, shirts, socks, and jackets, for men, women, and kids. Their products are reliable and affordable as well.

Kerrits

EQL by Kerrits was started by Kerri Kent – a windsurfer frustrated with the ill-fitting bathing suits in the market. In 1986, she purchased some fabric and began making them herself. Thus Kerrits Activewear was born. Soon, she was approached by an equestrian Company that asked her to work on her other passion – horses.

Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel was born in the 1990s. Today, Kerrits makes riding tops and shirts in short and long sleeves, tank tops, sleeveless tops, jackets and vests, breeches, riding tights, and other Equestrian accessories.

Equine Couture

Equine Couture riding shirts are well-known for moisture-wicking, durability, and comfort. They happen to be the ‘sister’ brand of TuffRider and Halo.  Equine Couture shirts are made with riders in mind – they focus on comfort and performance. 

Ranch Dress’n

Ranch Dress’n was created by Fallon Taylor, who happens to be a barrel-racing champion, professional athlete, and entrepreneur. Her brand is well known for its colorful and fun equestrian apparel. Fallon herself manages the Company with a bunch of her close friends. 

They first garnered attention for their sexy and colorful denim wear. Soon they started making tees, loungewear, rodeo shirts, show shirts, athletic wear, leisurewear, and related accessories. Their lovely colorful accessories like boots and breast collars gained immense popularity. 

Ranch Dress’n’s fun and functional saddlebags (aptly called Saddle Sacks) are popular as they can be attached to the saddle’s pommel. Many women including my wife love them as they help in keeping their stuff safe while riding. Ranch Dress’ n’s rodeo shirts are extremely popular as they stay tucked in while riding, do not need ironing, and can also be washed in the washing machine.

Conclusion – Women’s Equestrian Shirts for Western and English Riding?

Female horse riders have plenty of choices when it comes to selecting equestrian shirts for western or English riding. One can select from polos, show shirts in half or full sleeves, rodeo shirts, or causal riding t-shirts.

These days, many top brands have special lines of women’s equestrian shirts for both English and western disciplines. Brands like Ariat, TuffRider, Equine Couture, and Kerrits are some of the well-loved ones. We especially love Ranch Dress’n in my family for their unique, colorful, and well-made rodeo shirts and tees. Do check them out!

Below is a YouTube video you may find helpful when shopping for riding outfits.

FAQs – Women’s Equestrian Shirts for Western and English Riding?